I will say the theatre is overall a success. Dine-in theatres seem to be trending nowadays instead of the uncomfortable rows of old, and even with several competitors now sitting in the Valley, the Esplanade hasn't changed much. Which may not be a good thing.
Tickets will be a little pricier due to the couch seating and the opt-in dining service. Unlike some of the recently renovated theatres, the seats don't recline, but there's plenty of cushion to make it work. The tables swing in from the side like a desk, and there's a call button behind you on one of your sides.
The food selection is actually good. I think it's better than Studio Movie Grill myself, just think of an Applebee's that doesn't suck. They can swipe your card when you order and you'll get a check near the end of the movie.
With dine-in theatres you have an expectation. Inevitably someone will drop their forks on the floor, and you'll have to deal with people constantly walking around to bring your orders. Then it starts getting a little mediocre. Service to me has been slower compared to other dine-in theatres. Last couple times I go here, sometimes it'll take up to 10 minutes for a call. Which I get when it's busy, but sometimes I don't see any movement at all.
Well at least there's validated parking. But even with a sick bar and a clean theatre, Esplanade feels complacent to me.